Today the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on four important bills: the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, a Continuing Resolution that will fund the federal government, a bill to yet again increase our nation’s debt limit, and a “Jobs Bill.” Late last night, around 9:30 P.M., House Democrats posted three of the four bills online then scheduled votes on these bills starting at 10:00 A.M. this morning. Why the rush? So Speaker Pelosi can catch a plane to Copenhagen.
Today I asked the Speaker, what is more important, ensuring that the American people and Members of Congress have a chance to read these bills or attending a climate change conference? You can view the video by clicking on the screen above or clicking here.
In less than 24 hours, House Democrats have increased the national debt limit by $300 billion, rechurned $150 billion from the TARP slush fund and spent over $600 billion. Of course, this sort of behavior is not new. Record spending bills have been passing the House all year without a chance for the American people and Members of Congress to read them. Earlier this year Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) and I introduced H.Res. 554, a resolution requiring the House of Representatives to make bills and conference reports available online for 72 hours before they are considered by the House. This resolution will enhance public participation in our democracy and help restore the public trust in government by raising the level of openness, order and discourse. I urge the Speaker to cancel her flight so Members can stop voting blind.
How many tons of jet fuel is being combusted by Speaker Pelosi and her comrades to fly to Copenhagen and save the planet?